Fibromyalgia And The Chiropractic Lifestyle

“It just hurts all over.”

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer to painful sensations that occurs at specific body sites when these points are pressed. These areas are often identifiable in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. People with fibromyalgia often will experience symptoms of sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.

Nine pairs of tender points are tested for pain totalling 18 body points. Pain may radiate outward from a tender point when a tender point is pressed. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics provides evidence that chiropractic may offer some relief for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, fibromyalgie is very difficult to diagnose.

The current criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:

Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.

Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include but aren’t limited to are constipation or diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensations in the hands and severe or excessive fatigue.

Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.